US strikes Iran for third consecutive night; tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz
The US launched a third straight night of strikes on Iran, while two UAE oil tankers were hit by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump announced a reinstated blockade of Iranian shipping and a 20% fee for transit through the strait.
The United States carried out a third consecutive night of strikes against Iran on Monday, as two oil tankers came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said the strikes began at President Donald Trump's direction after he warned Iran would be hit "very hard tonight and tomorrow". Centcom stated it targeted Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime capabilities at locations including Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas.
Shortly after, the United Arab Emirates reported that Iranian cruise missiles struck two Emirati oil tankers in the southern lane of the strategic waterway, within Omani territorial waters. One crew member was killed and eight others wounded. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, saying the vessels "ignored repeated warnings" and were subsequently targeted.
Trump announced that Washington was reinstating its blockade of Iranian shipping in the Gulf and would impose a 20% fee on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to cover security costs. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded on X that Tehran would "forever" be the guardian of the strait, adding "20% is of course too much. We will be fair." Iran's top joint military command said the US had no role in determining the strait's future.
Oil prices surged to a one-month high, with Brent crude rising 2% to $84.98 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate up 2.1% to $79.79. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated that passage through the Strait of Hormuz should remain free of tolls and charges in accordance with international law.
Jordan's military said it intercepted four Iranian missiles. Bahrain sounded missile alert sirens twice, and Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have hit a US Patriot radar and other systems, though there was no independent confirmation.
In Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition said its air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Houthi forces toward the kingdom's southern region. The Houthis earlier accused Saudi Arabia of striking Sanaa airport, while the Saudi-backed Yemeni government claimed responsibility, saying it aimed to prevent an Iranian plane from landing. The Houthis warned the attack could end an informal truce in place since 2022.
